IB Chemistry › 1.1 Particulate Nature › 1.1.3
1.1.3

Temperature & Kelvin

Definition:

Temperature in Kelvin (K) is a direct measure of the average Kinetic Energy of particles.

Conversions
\( T_{(K)} = T_{(^{\circ}C)} + 273.15 \)
Absolute Zero (0 K)

The theoretical temperature where all particle motion stops. It is the lowest possible temperature. Equal to −273.15°C.

Nature of Science: Models

Models are Simplifications. The Kinetic Molecular Theory assumes gas particles have no volume. This makes math (\(PV=nRT\)) easy but fails at high pressure. Science relies on models that are "useful," not necessarily "perfectly true" in every context.

← 1.1.2 Kinetic Molecular Theory Next: 1.2 The Nuclear Atom →